As the shooting season draws to a close, it marks an important transition for our working dogs. After months of dedication, stamina, and unwavering focus in the field, this is the time to prioritise rest, recovery, and thoughtful preparation for the seasons ahead.
Our gundogs work exceptionally hard throughout the season. They hit thick cover with determination, power through brambles, enter icy water without hesitation, and scramble up challenging banks in all weather conditions. That level of physical and mental effort deserves proper downtime.
Rest and Active Recovery for Working Dogs
While rest is essential, it doesn’t mean complete inactivity. Gentle trips out allow them to stretch their legs, move freely, and decompress without the demands of a working day. Controlled exercise helps prevent stiffness while supporting muscle recovery.
We continue with structured physio, stretching, and conditioning exercises to maintain strength and mobility. Preventative care plays a huge role in keeping a working dog sound for years to come.
Alongside this, many handlers now incorporate supportive therapies such as:
- Massage to ease muscular tension
- Magnetic therapy to encourage circulation
- Red light therapy to support healing
- Reiki to promote relaxation and balance
Every dog is an athlete, and recovery should be treated with the same level of care as training.
Post-Season Veterinary Physiotherapy
A visit to a veterinary physiotherapist is invaluable at the end of the shooting season. A thorough check-up can highlight minor strains before they develop into injuries and ensures your dog is moving correctly.
Home exercise programmes can then be adjusted or refined so each dog receives exactly what they need as they recover and rebuild.
Reviewing Performance and Planning Ahead
The close season is also the perfect opportunity to reflect. Sitting down and honestly assessing each dog’s performance allows us to identify strengths while addressing any bad habits that may have crept in during busy shoot days.
From steadiness to delivery, hunting patterns to handling, small issues are far easier to correct now than on the peg next season.
Pearl, for example, will continue progressing with her education — and she is coming on beautifully. Young dogs benefit enormously from consistent training during the quieter months, building confidence without the pressure of live days.
Tailored Gundog Training Matters
No two working dogs are the same, which is why tailored training programmes are so effective. Whether it’s bringing on a youngster, refining an experienced dog, or rebuilding foundations, structured training now sets the stage for future success.
If you need help preparing for next season, support is available in a format that suits you:
- 1:1 training sessions
- Group classes
- Workshops
- Training camps
- Remote coaching
With access to a purpose-built training centre featuring a rabbit pen, pheasant pen, water, woodland, and dummy launchers — plus the option to incorporate the shotgun where appropriate — dogs can train in realistic environments that translate directly to the field.
Looking Forward to Next Season
The end of the shooting season isn’t just about switching off; it’s about caring for the dogs that give us their all and investing in their future performance. Thoughtful recovery, professional support, and purposeful training ensure they return stronger, fitter, and ready to excel once again.
If you’d like guidance in developing your working dog, now is the ideal time to get started.